by Brooke Kaufman 

Former Pennsylvania police chief Brent Getz was found guilty of raping a six-year-old girl with his friend for years, authorities said. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the jury’s verdict last month.

Getz’s co-defendant, Gregory Wagner, of Lehighton, previously pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Getz. Getz and Wagner are awaiting sentencing at a later date.

Children and Youth Protective Services received a complaint in May 2012 after the then-11-year-old girl disclosed the abuse to a teacher, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Wagner first abused the girl when she was four, and Getz joined two years later. According to police documents, Getz and Wagner orally, vaginally, and anally assaulted the victim several times a month until the time of the report.

The girl sent a video to a relative of Wagner showing her pornography as proof of the abuse. A search on Wagner’s home uncovered search items consistent with child pornography on multiple devices.

“This verdict holds Brent Getz accountable for his horrific crimes against a child, and brought justice to a brave survivor who had the courage to come forward,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “As a police chief and public servant, Getz’s abhorrent actions betrayed the public’s trust and safety. He will never again be able to use a position in law enforcement to hurt people. My office will always stand up for our children and our most vulnerable, and hold bad actors accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Getz’s case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Elo.

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